5 Things I Learned About Health & Fitness from Jimmy Buffett

In my mid-20s I was growing older but not up— and I needed to grow up. After a wild summer at the Jersey Shore it was time to get my shit together. So I started down a path of personal development. I read books, watched videos, & took classes.

But the pendulum swung too far in the opposite direction. I took myself way too seriously. I stopped having fun. I was chronically stressed & anxious, living in a prison of my own creation.

“People who think too much before they act don’t act too much.” — Jimmy

I was thinking over-thinking everything and not actually doing anything.

I lost my inner-Jimmy Buffett. I wasn’t laughing and I was going insane.

JB epitomized the good life. He worked his ass off on stuff he loved. He prioritized relationships, experiences, fun, & joy. He lived life on his terms.

Here are some things I learned from Jimmy…

I. It all starts with your mind

“It takes no more time to see the good side of life than the bad.” — JB

Margaritaville is a state of mind. Mental health issues/illness aside, your health & well-being is a state of mind. Fill your mind with the things that make your life better. Then act accordingly.

II. Health & fitness is so much more than lifting weights

Jimmy lived an active lifestyle; surfing, paddleboarding, golfing, tennising. Find activities you enjoy. Play as much as possible.

III. But also lift weights

I saw Jimmy lifting at Equinox West Hollywood a few times over the years. He prioritized strength training even in his seventies!

IV. Spend more time in nature

“Mind on a permanent vacation, the ocean is the only medication. Wishing my condition ain’t ever gonna go away.” — Knee Deep

Get outside for fresh air & sunshine. Get in the salty sea.

There’s plenty of science showing the benefits. But doesn’t it just feel great?

V. Slow down, be present, enjoy the journey

“Oh, that summer sun, wind in your hair

Half the fun is getting there

When you're ridin' in the slow, slow lane (slow lane)

Good life's in our reach”

— The Slow Lane

“There's nothing that I want to do

No place I'm trying to reach”

“I stopped searching for perfection

Many waves ago

What really matters is the here and now

And that's about all I know”

— Oldest Surfer on the Beach

Feel Great

“I think it’s really a part of the human condition that you’ve got to have some fun. You’ve got to get away from whatever you do to make a living or other parts of life that stress you out. I try to make it at least 50/50 fun to work and so far it’s worked out.”

— Jimmy

Rock a Nice Little Bod

“Choose as a guide one whom you will admire more when you see him act than when you hear him speak.” — Seneca

Enjoy Life

“Life is a journey that’s not measured in miles or years, but in experiences.”

— Jimmy

“At a moment like this, I can't help but wonder

What would Jimmy Buffett do?”

- Alan Jackson, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere

How can you start living more like Jimmy?

Nice Little Body of the Week

Thank you, Jimmy. It’s been a lovely cruise.

Eargasm of the Week

Thank you for reading.

feel great. rock a nice little bod. enjoy life.

steve